These photos prove animals are actually hilarious comedians

In stressful times, we often turn to animals to comfort us, distract us and make us laugh —  and the 2020 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards have arrived not a moment too soon.

The annual competition began as an effort to advocate for conservationism through compelling nature photography. Once finalists are chosen, the images are compiled into a yearly volume and sold online, with 10% of the profits benefiting the UK-based Born Free Foundation, an animal-welfare charity.

Entries are divided into six different categories, including underwater-only and a contest just for young shutterbugs aged 16 and under. Founder Paul Joynson-Hicks and Tom Sullam, the two photographers in charge of the awards, work with wildlife and photography organizations to sponsor each category, such as Alex Walker’s Serian, “a charismatic collection of exclusive and intimate safari camps” in Kenya and Tanzania, where wildlife documentarians can go to see nature up close.

The contest website would indicate that there are a couple of things that Sullam and Joynson-Hicks take very seriously: conservationism and Fleetwood Mac.

Embedded at No. 18 out of 20 in their terms and conditions, they write that competitors, “must think Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” one of the greatest pieces of music ever performed … just kidding. No seriously …”

“If you would like your favourite piece of music featured in this very prestigious section of our Terms and Conditions, email us and try. If it’s good, you never know. But at least we know you have read up to this bit!” they joke.

The period to submit entries for the 2020 contest ends at 11:59 p.m. BST (6:59 EST) on June 30. Winners will be announced in the fall.

David-DesRochers_Laughing-Sea-Otter_00001015Roebuck Deer in Estonia.Hippo mother has her baby nibbling her ear in Masai Mara.Anthony-Bucci_Rough-night_00001212Brown bear in Lake Clarke, Alaska.Yellow Collared Lovebirds. Tarangire National Park, TanzaniaChalky Percher Damselfly. Zambales, Philippines.Tanvir-Ali_Laughing-stock_00002076“Wowza!” Lions in Masai Mara, Kenya.Tommy-Mees_Walk-on-water_00000872Lion cubs in Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania.

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